Verizon CEO Dan Schulman says SpaceX needs four to six years and up to USD 500 billion to challenge established US wireless carriers. During Verizon’s third-quarter earnings call on Monday, October 26, Schulman argued that Starlink needs extensive ground infrastructure to compete in urban and suburban markets. Elon Musk disputed the timeline on X, claiming the buildout would take ‘2 or 3 years.’
The disagreement highlights competing views of SpaceX’s plan to become a nationwide wireless provider. Schulman says satellite connectivity alone cannot match terrestrial networks across densely populated areas.
He estimates SpaceX would need 65,000 to 80,000 cell sites, spectrum, fiber connections and radio access equipment. The company would also need customer service, retail distribution and back-office systems.
Schulman estimates the full project could cost between USD 300 billion and USD 500 billion over seven to eight years. He says building the network itself would take at least four to six years. Even after that investment, SpaceX would initially become another competitor rather than immediately displacing established carriers.
“There is no magic wand. There is no shortcut,” Schulman said while discussing the infrastructure required. He also argued that terrestrial networks operate far more efficiently than satellite services in urban and suburban areas. Those markets account for approximately 98% of Verizon’s revenue, according to the CEO.
SpaceX has pursued low-band spectrum and reportedly discussed access to at least 80,000 cell sites across the United States. These efforts could support its ambition to expand Starlink Mobile beyond satellite connectivity. However, Musk has not publicly addressed Schulman’s cost estimate in his brief timeline response.
Verizon reported 406,000 postpaid phone net additions for the third quarter and raised its full-year earnings outlook. Verizon faces a potential new rival, although SpaceX still must overcome substantial infrastructure and operational challenges.. The two-year difference between the estimates leaves the scale and timing of the competitive threat unresolved.
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